New Zealand
and Tokelau (“the Partners”) wish to affirm their ongoing relationship, to
honour their shared past and to build upon the close historical, social and
cultural links between their people.
By articulating in this Joint Statement the principles underpinning the
partnership and each Partner’s expectations of the other, the Partners hope to
create a framework within which they can work together to maximise the benefits
of the relationship. They wish to strengthen cooperation between New Zealand
and Tokelau, and to provide a firm foundation for ongoing and constructive
dialogue about their relationship.
The Joint Statement
also looks forward, recognising that Tokelau has the right to
self-determination, and that New Zealand
has a responsibility to facilitate that process in Tokelau’s best interests.
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1.1 The Partners seek to develop a
relationship of partnership in accordance with the principles set out in this
Joint Statement. In doing so, the Partners acknowledge that their relationship
is dynamic, and must be permitted to grow and evolve
freely and constructively. The Partners also acknowledge that the relationship
operates within the context of international and domestic law, as the law
applies in
New Zealand
and in Tokelau at any particular time.
1.2
The relationship of partnership requires that all issues should be
resolved on a cooperative and consultative basis.
New Zealand and Tokelau will continue to work together, to consult on issues as they arise,
and to cooperate on matters of mutual interest. The Partners will operate on a
“no surprises” basis, by maintaining clear and open communication.
1.3
New Zealand
and Tokelau will hold joint senior-level official talks at least once a year
(“the joint talks”), in Tokelau, Wellington
or Apia
(as the Partners decide). The joint talks will cover issues of concern to the
Partners, including the detail of practical matters of concern to Tokelau as it
works towards self-determination and builds confidence in its future. The joint
talks will be additional to (and coordinated with) any other bilateral meetings
on specific topics. Partners’ officials will work cooperatively together to
advance issues of concern according to priorities and any work plan agreed
between them.
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2.1 The
Partners acknowledge that self-determination for Tokelau, as provided for in
Article 73 of the United Nations Charter, United Nations General Assembly
Resolutions and various international human rights instruments, is an important
goal for both New Zealand and Tokelau.
2.2
New Zealand
and Tokelau affirm their commitment to work in partnership with the United
Nations to achieve a self-determination outcome that fits the local Tokelauan
context and has the support of the Tokelauan people. Where a self-determination
option involves an ongoing relationship between Tokelau and New Zealand, the Partners acknowledge that the nature of that relationship will be one that
is acceptable to both.
2.3
New Zealand
will continue to work with Tokelau to provide the people of Tokelau with
balanced and comprehensive information concerning the self-determination options
of independence, self-government in free association and full integration.
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3.1
The Partners recognise the value of Tokelau’s unique language and
culture as a source of strength and identity, and as the key element that
distinguishes Tokelauans from other groups.
New Zealand
and Tokelau are committed to ensuring the retention and development of
Tokelauan culture. This commitment will underlie all aspects of the partnership,
and will be taken into account in all joint endeavours.
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4.1
The Partners acknowledge that New Zealand citizenship involves the right to certain benefits and the acceptance of
certain responsibilities.
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5.1
Tokelau and New Zealand affirm their respect for human rights, and their commitment to the purpose and
principles of the United Nations Charter, good governance and the rule of law.
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6.1
New Zealand acknowledges its obligations with regard to economic support for Tokelau, and
affirms its commitment to provide Tokelau with economic support, both before an
act of self-determination and after (as long as Tokelau retains a constitutional
relationship with
New Zealand).
6.2
New Zealand and Tokelau wish to work together in a partnership based on trust, openness,
respect and mutual accountability in determining and implementing New Zealand’s economic support for Tokelau’s budgetary needs and economic and social
development. The key goal of the Partners is to maintain and improve the quality
of life of the people living in the villages of Tokelau.
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6.3
The provision of New Zealand’s economic assistance to Tokelau will be based on the following principles
and factors:
6.3.1
New Zealand’s international legal obligations, including those set out in Article 73 of
the United Nations Charter, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social
and Cultural Rights;
6.3.2
recognition that Tokelau is entitled to a good and satisfactory standard
of services and infrastructure, and that this entitlement will be interpreted in
the light of the local context (including the size of Tokelau’s population,
its remoteness, the physical separation of the three atolls and the fact that
the administrations of Tokelau and New Zealand are separate);
6.3.3
acknowledgement of the commitment by both Partners progressively to meet
Tokelau’s entitlement to a good and satisfactory standard of services and
infrastructure (as referred to in clause 6.3.2), to the maximum extent of
available resources;
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6.3.4
acknowledgement of Tokelau’s progress towards full self-government and
respect for Tokelau’s readiness and ability to determine and shape the budget;
6.3.5
recognition, with regard to the delivery of services in Tokelau, that it
is primarily Tokelau’s role to deliver those services, and that New Zealand
will provide economic and administrative support (as provided in clauses 6 and 7
respectively) to assist Tokelau to do so;
6.3.6
recognition of Tokelau’s special constitutional status, which means
that economic support to Tokelau represents a first call on New Zealand’s
overseas development assistance and that the content and management of the
Tokelau programme will continue to be tailored to Tokelau’s status and needs;
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6.3.7
Tokelau’s overall development strategy;
6.3.8
Acknowledgement that Tokelau will plan and implement activities in
accordance with Tokelau’s specified goals and priorities;
6.3.9
acknowledgement and observance of identified obligations that each
Partner owes the other, as set out in clauses 6.4 and 6.5;
6.3.10 recognition that
the nature and level of support may evolve over time but that the Partners will
work together to ensure that such evolution will be on the basis of the
principles set out in this Joint Statement.
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6.4
New Zealand
:
6.4.1
acknowledges its obligations with regard to economic support for Tokelau,
now and in the future;
6.4.2
recognises Tokelau’s aspiration to achieve the greatest possible level
of self-reliance, and will support Tokelau in this endeavour;
6.4.3
expects Tokelau to manage
New Zealand
’s contribution to its budget wisely and in the best interests of the people
of Tokelau;
6.4.4
will assist Tokelau to promote good and sustainable use of resources;
6.4.5
will assist Tokelau in the event of emergencies beyond its control;
6.4.6
will support Tokelau’s efforts to attract support from other donors and
from regional and international agencies.
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6.5
Tokelau:
6.5.1
is responsible for the prudent management and allocation of its own and
New Zealand’s resources, for the benefit of the Tokelau people and in line with
Tokelau’s strategic priorities;
6.5.2
will provide
New Zealand with accurate, full and timely financial planning and reporting in a form to be
agreed between the Partners;
6.5.3
will manage the consequences of its own decisions and management with
regard to resource allocation or investment.
6.6
The forms of assistance that New Zealand
provides to Tokelau may take a range of forms, tailored to Tokelau’s changing
circumstances, including the provision of administrative assistance under clause
7 below.
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7.1
The Partners recognise that Tokelau will be likely to require an ongoing
level of support in administrative and technical areas.
New Zealand
recognises that administrative capacity, technical skills and professional
development are essential for the good governance and economic development of
Tokelau.
New Zealand is committed to providing Tokelau with appropriate administrative, technical
and professional support, both before an act of self-determination and after (as
long as Tokelau retains a constitutional relationship with
New Zealand).
7.2
New Zealand and Tokelau will identify areas of priority or specific projects requiring
technical, administrative or professional support during joint talks or other
bilateral consultations. Appropriate support, coordinated through the Office of
the Administrator of Tokelau, will be provided from
New Zealand public sector agencies, in line with priorities and projects agreed between the
Partners.
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8.1
The Partners agree that the Office of the Administrator of Tokelau will
work with the Tokelau Public Service to ensure that appropriate levels of
service are provided in and from New Zealand
in a well-coordinated manner.
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9.1
New Zealand
will remain responsible for the defence and security of Tokelau, and will
discharge this responsibility as the need arises, in consultation with Tokelau.
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10.1
The Partners acknowledge that, subject to United Nations General Assembly
Resolution 2625 (XXV), Tokelau does not have an international legal personality
separate from that of New Zealand.
New Zealand
will accordingly continue to enter into binding treaty obligations on
Tokelau’s behalf (in consultation with Tokelau, as set out in clause 10.2).
10.2 In
conducting foreign affairs on Tokelau’s behalf, New Zealand will:
10.2.1
advise Tokelau as to which international instruments extend to Tokelau through New Zealand’s treaty action;
10.2.2
ensure adequate consultation with Tokelau with regard to treaty actions that New Zealand
is intending to take, and refrain from extending any such treaty action to
Tokelau unless Tokelau expressly requests to be included;
10.2.3
assist Tokelau, through the provision of advice and administrative assistance,
to implement international legal obligations as required.
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10.3 To
the best of its ability and consistent with its commitment to the Partners’
shared values, Tokelau will implement within Tokelau the treaty obligations to
which it may be bound through New Zealand’s treaty action.
10.4
New Zealand acknowledges that Tokelau may wish to further develop its interaction with the
regional and international community.
New Zealand
will support Tokelau’s aspirations to enter into arrangements with other
countries or to join regional or international organisations in its own right,
where such participation is consistent with Tokelau’s status as a
non-self-governing territory.
10.5 Tokelau
will consult New Zealand
about any such developments.
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11.1 In
terms of New Zealand/Tokelau relations, the primary link is between New Zealand
and Tokelau.
11.2
Both Partners recognise, however, that there is mutual benefit in continued
engagement, by
New Zealand
and Tokelau, with the Tokelauan community in New Zealand. This engagement will strengthen and reinforce the cultural identity of
Tokelauans resident in New Zealand. It will also maximise the potential of the Tokelauan community in New Zealand, in terms of support and assistance for Tokelau.
11.3
The Partners agree that the Tokelauan community in New Zealand
should be informed about developments in Tokelau’s relationship with New Zealand, constitutional developments concerning Tokelau, and other issues of potential
interest or concern to the Tokelauan community in New Zealand.
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12.1 This Joint Statement will be subject to
review by the Partners as part of their ongoing consultation.
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Signed on
21 November 2003
, at Fakaofo, Tokelau.
